Prince George’s summer birth helps boost tourism to London

Prince George’s summer birth last year helped increase the number of tourists visiting London, making it the most popular destination in the world.

The arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first child in July 2013 has been credited with attracting more visitors to the capital as tourists flocked to visit attractions such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

George’s birth, along with Andy Murray’s Wimbledon win and a hot summer attracted 4.9 million visitors to London between July and September, official figures released on Thursday revealed.

“These incredible figures prove that London is without doubt the greatest city on the planet,” Mayor Boris Johnson said. “With so many fascinating museums, the best theatre scene in the world, more green space than any other European city, numerous top sporting venues, a low crime rate and much else besides, it’s no wonder that people from all over the globe are flocking to London in record numbers.”

The third-in-line’s birth in 2013 saw for a third year running a royal event attract visitors to London, following from 2012’s Diamond Jubilee and 2011’s royal wedding of Prince William to the Duchess of Cambridge.

St Paul’s Cathedral saw numbers go “through the roof” as numbers went up 17 per cent with 353, 463 guests between May and August.

The famous cathedral saw the royals, including Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, gather in June 2012 for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee thanksgiving services.

Prince George was born on July 22 and a day later made his first appearance with proud parents William and Kate as they left the Lindo Wing in Paddington.

Speaking to the press, Kate explained the whole experience had been “very emotional” while William joked he “has his mother’s looks”.

London marked the royal’s birth with celebrations across the capital including a gun salute in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London.

Famous landmarks such as the London Eye and the BT Tower lit up blue to honour George’s arrival.

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